Institut für ökologische Chemie, Pflanzenanalytik und Vorratsschutz
The increasing ecological and economic challenges require innovative and sustainable solutions in the construction sector. Mushroom mycelium building materials have become increasingly important in recent years as an environmentally friendly and biodegradable alternative to conventional building materials. These materials are made from the mycelium of fungi and agricultural waste and are characterized by their low environmental impact and their ability to store CO₂. Despite these advantages, however, mushroom mycelium building materials currently have limited fire and insect protection properties, which severely limits their widespread use in the construction industry. Currently, mushroom mycelium building materials only achieve fire protection class D according to the European standard EN 13501-1, which means that their fire resistance is insufficient for many building applications. In order to promote the acceptance and spread of these innovative materials, it is essential to improve their fire protection properties to fire protection class B. This would not only increase the safety and durability of buildings, but also strengthen the attractiveness of mushroom mycelium building materials as a sustainable alternative. The aim of this feasibility study is to significantly improve the fire and insect protection properties of mushroom mycelium building materials through targeted material modifications and innovative coating technologies. The intrinsic properties of the composite material will be optimized and external protective coatings will be developed and implemented. The expected results of this project include the preliminary work to select the most appropriate combination of materials and processes to achieve fire protection class B and improved resistance to insect infestation, thus ensuring the long-term durability and safety of the materials.
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy
